Cal, Maybe TMI, but I have been an expert Bum for several years. I'm serious about nice, comfortable sleeping outside.

First, here's an older, modified off-the-shelf system (in the rain):

I've gone thru developing my own lightweight cheap cot-bivy up to the current system you see below.

The bivy is a Catoma IBNS (+ rain fly). This will be it's maiden voyage, but so far, so good. Good zippers and nice bug mesh and it has left or right entry. Good, but not great, star-viewing visibility. It also has 4 straps to secure it to the cot. It seems like a quality bivy system. The rain fly could be lighter.

The camping cot is a slightly modified Texsport model 15044 75"x26"x16"h. I've had many of these and they have been evolving nicely (at the expense of weight) It's the best Texsport 15044 so far.

Cot + Bivy + Rain Fly weigh 16Lbs.

I store everything (plus a small 4-legged chair pictured in the top photo) in a modified tactical 36" gun bag (it's padded and flat). (bottom picture sitting atop my sea of aluminum) The sleeping bag and bivy get packed on top. I need only 2 ROK Straps hold it to the bike (for ease of luggage entry)

A Neo-Air Thermarest is always under my 5 degree Western Mountaineering sleeping bag in the bivy.
I use a lightweight blanket/towel between the bag and the Neo-Air for cold weather and for humid weather (coastal camping) I use that blanket/towel on top of the sleeping bag to capture the dew.

Total weight for every thing is a skosh above 20 Lbs.

I'm slowly developing my ultimate prototype that combines several cot-bivy components and packs down to less than 2 feet wide, and weighs about 15 Lbs. (case, sleeping bag and chair, included!)

__________________
"...when I handed the 40 ouncer to him, he got that far off stare that a cat gets when it just gets done licking its ass for the last 15". Yeah, THAT stare." -WTF-Over
"Don't come in here with your thoughtfulness, empathy, and reason... this is shit, up with which, I shall not put." -Boondoggle

I know this isn't the place for ride reporting. But I have limited electronics with me and this will have to do.
Yesterday I crossed the Matamoros border. I had 30 knot head wind. Got crappy mileage. I did my usual 300mile day. I hoteled it south of Tampico. The ride had limited photo ops. I took a few.
Today, after 300 miles, I rode thru the city of Veracruz. Mike, you live in a very scenic state!
I didn't take many photos today, but I will on my north bound return trip. saw some great scenic shots. I rode half the day in a t shirt. Unsafe I know but I was cooler.
signing off for tonight, Dave the bum.

Ok, Sunday works for me.
We might get lucky and the Craneguy will be in Xalapa.
I've an idea for a route that you probably haven't been on, and I need to get a picture in a certain place and will need someone to give me a heads up on traffic while I try for the shot.

Ok, Sunday works for me.
We might get lucky and the Craneguy will be in Xalapa.
I've an idea for a route that you probably haven't been on, and I need to get a picture in a certain place and will need someone to give me a heads up on traffic while I try for the shot.

Right on!
I got bummed today - I was stopped by a local policia that didn't like that my license plate number is not on my vehicle permit. After a small donation to the local Campeche economy I rode on.
I'm at my Yucatan destination, but will still get nervous a bit going thru local checkpoints. I hope I don't have many more unhappy stops like that one.

... I got bummed today - I was stopped by a local policia that didn't like that my license plate number is not on my vehicle permit. After a small donation to the local Campeche economy I rode on....

What is it with the transportation officials on that side of Mexico? I was on a similar route as you in January and was stopped twice around Coatzocoalcos while looking for a hotel. the first stop inspected my paperwork and didn't find anything to fine me for. The next stop the officer said I didn't signal. He threatened a citation or detention and motioned for me to follow him, he was on a scooter. I just made a u-turn and got back on the highway.

Then returning through Mexico just the past couple of weeks, I rode the Pacific side up to Acupolco, over to Touluca and then 57 back to the US and didn't get stopped once, although I was almost blinded by the scenery on Zipolite beach!